15 amp circuit breaker - can take this?

[Saveafish]

2 circuits. 1 for heat and lights 20 amp. 1 for the rest 20 amp. Do NOT just replace the breaker. More than likely your wiring is matched for the 15 amp.

 

[xaflatoonx]

Two breakers for 15 amps each should be good.

One for light. And the other for everything else. I think

 

[vetteguy53081]

if YOU CAN- GO THRU THE WALL VIA A DOOR LOCK 1" BLADE AND FISH THRU TO ANOTHER OUTLET (VERY EASY TO PATCH IF YOU MOVE !

 

[livingcolors]

I agree with the theory that nothing runs at max amps except during start-up-and I do have an electrical background. I monitor everything except a few small hydors and my Radions on my Apex, and never approach full amperage on a 15 amp breaker. First of all, breakers are over-designed to some degree. I've never thrown a breaker either. I have to admit, when I read some of the "stuff" out there about amperage, fire, circuits etc, I was terrified too.

 

[alton]

I think most of your question has been answered, the only thing I have to add is lessen the load. You did not list the size of this tank? But in South Texas you will never need 500 watts of heat, especially with 960 watts of lighting. I run a 100 watt ehiem on one of my 180's and a 150 watt on the other 180. Before you spend a large amount on adding a circuit try using a smaller heater, knowing that during the day while the light is on the heater will not be, and when the heater does come on your light will be off. Plus the fact your DC pumps will probably be at 60%. Purchase a cheap Killo-watt meter and check your actual wattage.

 

[siggy]

Watt he said^^^^^ That is some list of pumps! It would appear your setting up a 250 gallon tank? If that's the case 2 20 amp circuits would be advisable. You haven't even listed Controls or common add on's yet.
The Ati fixture is a Great light but you might go LED's at some point or both so think long term. If your going to fish wire get it done the first time. BTW that 15 amp circuit is probably being shared elsware in the home and sounds like a lighting curcuit to start with being 15 amp. Generally 15a is lighting and 20a is for convenience outlets, good luck

RO Varios 8 98
RO Varios 8 98
ATI PM 60" 940
Eheim Jager 250
Eheim Jager 250
Kessil H160 40
Gyre 280 80
Gyre 280 80
MP 40 38
MP 40 38

 

[xaflatoonx]

Fair point Alton... the tank is going to be a 270 gallon tank with 75 gallon in the sump.
Hence the heaters i got were appropriately sized. Although i do agree - them buggers wont be on full swing all the time.

The idea here is to be safe - and prepare for worst case.. thats all.

 

[xaflatoonx]

The current 15a circuit running in the room only supports one ceiling fan, and 4 recessed lights of that room. nothing else on that breaker.
current plan is to steal a 15a circuit from the bathroom that connects the room on the back end. i will update the thread once we sort that out.

 

[Joe Brown]

I am not sure where you live but the national electrical code says that the load on a breaker should not be more than 80 percent of the size of the breaker. You will need two circuits.

 

[Joe Brown]

I am not sure where you live but the national electrical code says that the load on a breaker should not be more than 80 percent of the size of the breaker. You will need two circuits.

 

[Brew12]

I am not sure where you live but the national electrical code says that the load on a breaker should not be more than 80 percent of the size of the breaker. You will need two circuits.

The 80% limit only applies to permanently installed equipment. It doesn't apply to whatever the end user may plug into the wall. Still, the code was written that way for a reason, and it would be wise to keep it in mind.

 

[DBR_Reef]

It is not "silly" at all. Electricians are not going to run 12 gauge wire and then pop a 15-amp breaker on that circuit. Most homes only have 20 amp circuits in the kitchen and bath. Most just the kitchen.

Either way.. suggesting that someone could just replace the breaker is not sound advice, especially when they obviously don't know much about electrical standards.

It's now code to have a 20 amp in the bath now

 

[DBR_Reef]

while you have the electrician in, get him to replace ALL the breakers your tank is on with arc and GFI breakers- cheap and could save your life/house. BTW, I would guess that a dedicated circuit for the tank would not be much more than running a line from a existing circuit. Wire is cheap, it is the electricians time that is expensive. In almost all cases I would rather run a line strait from the panel- I don't have to deal with other peoples work and I know exactly what I am getting into- also much simpler to get permitted, assuming your electrician is getting the job permitted